Curiouser And...

by Jillian Maria

For sixteen years, Ashlyn Jones has heeded her parents’ warnings and followed their rules. But after taking a tumble in the forest, she awakens in a strange land where there are no rules—where signs lack direction, the sky hovers on the edge of night, and all paths lead to the glittering red palace of a wicked queen. Although she’s told there’s no way home, Ashlyn is determined to find one, enlisting the help of a dreamy girl found sleeping in a tree.

But everyone is a little mad here, from the smiling cat to the whimsical man in the top hat. And the more she interacts with this strange land and its stranger inhabitants, the more Ashlyn questions the life she’s fighting so hard to get back to. Maybe she was just as trapped in her role as the dutiful daughter as she is here.

Unfortunately, she’ll be even more trapped if the queen gets ahold of her…

Genres: Fantasy

Unknown Binding

First published November 28, 2023

About the author

Jillian Maria enjoys tea, pretty dresses, and ripping out pieces of herself to put in her novels. She writes the books she wants to read, prominently featuring women who are like her in some way or another. A great lover of horror, thriller and mystery novels, most of her stories have some of her own fears lurking in the margins. When she isn’t willing imaginary people into existence, she’s pursuing a career in public relations and content marketing. A Michigan native, Jillian spends what little free time she has hanging out with her friends, reading too much, singing along to musical numbers, and doting on her cat.

Reviews

[Dave Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for SFINCs

An interesting read. I’ve not read many fairy tale retellings, but this novella was gloriously well-written and the author hit the mark with the emotional moments.

Full review to come on SFFinsiders.com

[Jamedi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curioser And... is an interesting young adult portal fantasy novella, written by Jillian Maria. Kind of inspired by Alice in Wonderland and Over The Garden Wall, we will be following the adventure of a girl, Ashlyn, after she decides to take a tumble in the forest, leading her to a magical world where she must find the way home.

However, despite taking this classical approach to the genre, Maria uses to opportunity to explore many themes such as self-expression, the opposition to authority and authenticity while telling her story. We can clearly see the inspiration from the classics into some of the characters, but always with her own twist.

The narrative is clear and concise, perfect for the age that is being targeted; the images used are also familiar to the intended public. I also appreciate how this story is well paced, and focused around the sapphic coming of our main character; now, more than ever, queer fiction is needed.

Curioser And... is an excellent proposal, really recommended if you are looking for a new look over a classic portal fantasy. I would love to revisit the world shown in this novella, as there is a great amount of potential.

Note: The following review contains only my personal thoughts as a judge and does not reflect the views of the team as a whole. No cuts or semi-finalists will be announced until Team Bookend Elves has read all of our books!

[Alex Scheuermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this novella as part of the Secret Scribes judging group for the Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship (SFINCS). This review is my personal opinion and does not solely determine if this story will move onto the next phase of the competition.
Ashlyn Jones is the perfectly obedient child. Her parents choose everything for her even down to what she should wear. After she falls in the forest, she awakens in a strange land covered in eternal twilight and wanders through this place where the paths don't follow logic and the people are weirder.
While trying to evade a pack of wolves, she stumbles upon a girl sleeping in a tree for so long that the branches seemed to have grown around her. All Ashlyn wants is to get back home, but will she be able to find her way?
The prose flows beautifully and does a great job at capturing the dreamlike setting. Ashlyn is a great main character. Understandably damaged from how she was raised, she must learn to make choices for herself and discover who she really is without her commandeering parents. With deep themes and great characterization, Curiouser And is compelling but dark.
While I absolutely loved Ashlyn's character arc, I feel that the author could have gone even further with it. The climax of the story felt a bit too much like generic action whereas I was hoping for Ashlyn to confront herself more than confront the setting—To really decide who she is and what she wants. Regardless, the story was well done and very enjoyable.
If you like fairy tale like settings and deep characters and themes, then you'll love Curiouser And...

[Nils Ödlund]

I read this books as part of judging the SFINCS novella competition for Team Booked Solid. This review reflects only my own thoughts and does not represent the team’s final score.. I received a free copy of the book for the purpose of judging.
Please note that this book passed two rounds of qualifiers and is one of ten books (out of one hundred) that made it to the competition finals.

---

I've never read Alice in Wonderland, but I'm familiar enough with the story that I could tell pretty soon that Curiouser And... is a retelling of the classic. A young woman with a book, a fall down a deep hole, and a strange new land with peculiar characters. Not to mention an odd cat with a quirky smile.
A familiar story, but not quite matching with what I knew of the original. Time and again, I found myself searching my mind to see if I could remember what part of the story a certain scene corresponded to, or a certain character. The queen, of course, and a guy complaining about time, and then there's a chess board, but isn't that another story?
As it were, I was more than halfway through the story when I finally realised that this wasn't a retelling at all, but something else entirely. Yes, there are definite and clearly intended similarities with the old classic, but it's not a retelling. Once the penny finally dropped, I found myself rather impressed with the idea.
Maybe I'm a bit dense, or maybe I'm too stubborn about sticking with my initial impression, but trying to match the story with my understanding of the original ruined the experience of the book for me. I couldn't stop the comparisons, and it kept me from immersing myself in the story.
If I were more familiar with the "original" I might have been able to tell sooner, and I might have enjoyed the book more. The same might apply if I'd knowing nothing about Alice in Wonderland.

What I'll whine about
I've been whining quite a lot already haven't I, but if it's not clear, my main issue with the book comes from my initial impression that this is a retelling and not a story of its own. Someone more well read then I am probably wouldn't have had an issue.

What I'll gush about
I've already mentioned that this isn't a retelling, and while that's a bit of a spoiler, I'm hopeful that being aware will make the story more enjoyable to readers. What is more of a spoiler and which I won't mention is what it's actually all about. I found the twist fascinating, nearly to the point of being mind blowing.

Final Words
Curiouser And... is a great idea masquerading as a retelling of a classic.

[Tom Bookbeard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for SFINCS.

A strong take on the Alice in Wonderland theme. Curiouser and Curiouser certainly lives up to its name. Poignant moments aplenty. The guile of a tragic villain. A sweet release. A wonderful little novella.

[Trudie Skies · Rating 3 out of 5]

Curiouser And… starts with a whimsical, almost enchanting fairy tale-like quality as we’re introduced to young teenager, Ashlyn, and a life where everything is perfectly chosen for her by her parents. She’s a quiet girl, the kind to never cause trouble or find herself having adventures, so when she accidentally falls down a well and lands into an unknown, impossible land that seems a little bit wonderful, a little bit mad, she has no choice but to explore and start making decisions for herself.

To describe much more of the story would be spoilers, but there are many hints throughout to the nature of the story, one that I would describe as a retelling of sorts. The reveal of what this world represents is quite a twist I actually didn’t see coming, though the ending is both open-ended and perhaps a tad unsatisfyingly vague, depending on whether you like your books to leave you with more questions or not! In a way, this is a coming of age story, as well as a story of acceptance.

[Alan]

Curiouser And . . . is an Alice in Wonderland retelling with a twist (or several). In the tradition of Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series it combines a classic, portal fantasy setting with a contemporary interest in issues of self-expression and authenticity while using familiar figures and imagery to touch on darker themes. Curioser is a fast read and the narrative features a quick pace that should appeal to Young Adult and New Adult fantasy fans, while its focus on the story of a lesbian teenager finding herself and coming to terms with the cards life has dealt her will appeal to readers of Sapphic coming-of-age stories. There's a ton of heart to Curiouser, something that becomes more evident as the narrative progresses.

Our main character is a teenage girl named Ashlyn, who, much like Alice, tumbles down into a dark hole and finds herself somewhere new and strange. The Wonderland Ashlyn awakes in both is and isn't the one you're familiar with. Like Alice (and especially like Alice in many of the more modern adaptations), Ashlyn is introduced to a visually distinct cast of characters, each of whom appears to occupy a role similar (though not identical to) the characters from the original. There's Merrick--a sort of stand in for the Mad Hatter--and a Queen spoken of only with fear. Up to a point, the narrative progresses more or less how you'd expect, with fun and whimsical interludes to break up Ashlyn's quest to discover a way home. Unfortunately for Ashlyn, things are not entirely what they seem, and escape may prove more challenging (and frightening) than expected.

I was pleased to see that there wasn't too much emphasis on action in this one, as I've found in the past that attempts to turn Alice into a blockbuster-style beat 'em up have ultimately produced rather soulless cash-ins that miss the nuance and magic of the original. That said, to my mind, retellings generally have to work harder than completely original stories to justify their existence. Something new has to be brought to the table, and I'm not someone who finds a genderflip or identity switch enough on its own for something to be considered "new" in a meaningful way. This is not to say that a genderflipped or queered retelling can't offer something new, just that I'm wary of surface-level changes that never go beyond "Cinderella is trans now. Please believe our publishing company isn't transhphobic."*

With Curiouser, I was a little wary at first due to everything I've stated above. There was also a stylistic shift in the writing between the prologue and first chapter that didn't entirely land, and upon our introduction to Ashlyn's wacky supporting cast, I was nervous that the book would be a bit paint-by-numbers. However, there's a point at which the reader, alongside Ashlyn, begins to get a sense of a weightier set of ideas brewing beneath the surface. While one of the twists is fairly predictable, another offers the opportunity for Maria to comment through the lens of Ashlyn's teenage viewpoint on questions of mortality and meaning. I'm being deliberately vague here, so as not to spoil, but for me one of the novella's most powerful thematic thrusts is its use of death as a vehicle through which to talk about change. While this in itself has a long tradition (and is, in fact, inherent to death's symbolic meaning), Maria's use of it, particularly when married with this YA coming-of-age story, is subtle and haunting. Curiouser has something to say about growing up, change, and the dangers of clinging too fiercely to a childish view of the world and its people (a particularly poignant message now). I found the story lingering in my mind after finishing, and ultimately Curiouser proved that it had more to say than many other Alice retellings I've encountered.

There were a few occasions when I was pulled out of the story slightly by a character choice that didn't feel entirely in keeping with how Ashlyn had been presented. Specifically, there's a major turning point toward the end when Ashlyn makes a decision that seems both out of character and very drastic. While teenagers can be melodramatic and are more than capable of making silly mistakes out of spite, the stakes were so huge that Ashlyn's choice felt disproportionate and in service more to narrative need than honest character work. It's a small moment, however, in a larger story, and easily moved past.

The romantic subplot isn't a full-on romantasy-style storyline (or even arguably a separate subplot so much as a natural element of the narrative), and I found it moving, as well as beautifully and earnestly written. There was a depth to the characters' interactions that I was impressed by given the story's length, and I have a feeling it will mean a lot to teens grappling with difficult and confusing feelings. Azalea, Ashlyn's love interest, was one of the more richly-drawn of the cast, and I found Maria's treatment of her storyline delicate and considered. In a way, I would have preferred slightly more time spent exploring this relationship than on the bombastic finish, but regardless of how much time was spent on this storyline, it was certainly the heart of the novella and was very well done.

Maria is a talented writer with some big ideas, and Curiouser is well worth the look, despite some minor flaws. Its final moments left me wanting to return to Maria's Wonderland (yet grateful that I can't, as I feel it would ruin much of what Maria accomplishes here). I think this one will appeal most to YA and NA readers, and of course to fans of retellings. Strongest during its more philosophical moments as well as the honest emotional conversations between Ashlyn and her love interest Azalea, Curiouser is one I recommend trying out!

[Tabitha Tomala · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Curiouser And...

With Curiouser And… Jillian Maria creates an alternative tale to Alice in Wonderland filled with hints of the land many know, yet it harbors a darker secret. As Ashlyn and her newfound friends journey to find a way back home, the darker side of Wonderland will surface. A place where the Queen has devolved to use her subjects as violent entertainment. And when the twist reveals itself to readers they will rethink everything they have encountered.

At the start of the novella, the stage is quickly set to show how Ashlyn has little choice over her own actions with her parents. As the story progresses, readers will see just how deep the overbearing control went. To be able to choose something as simple as an outfit is a revelation for Ashlyn. Yet with her new sense of control, she will make poor decisions that may harm those she has come to call friends.

As a novella, the writing does a brilliant job of balancing world-building and character development. Curiouser And... is great for those who enjoy retellings and the quest for self-discovery. Ashlyn will encounter such a fantastical world and learn how to become her true self as she becomes one of the few people able to save it.

[D.N. Bryn]

This little novella combines the adorable sapphic sweetness of Maria's last book with the darkness and hard-hitting twists of her debut.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic Sapphic retelling with horror aspects. I loved the relationship between the various characters and the cool twist.

[Bill Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I read this novella as part the judging group The Secret Scribes for the Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship (SFINCS) semi-finals phase. The following review is strictly my personal thoughts as each novella will be reviewed by two judges to be as objective as possible.*

Curiouser And… is a dark, gripping, and fun retelling of Alice in Wonderland but takes a turn into some themes that might be uncomfortable for some readers. All told through a YA lens and protagonist.

So I went completely blind into the semi-finalist round. I did not read any blurbs or the previous round reviews, and I’m glad for it because this novella caught me off guard in a spectacular way. I really don’t like retellings or portal fantasy, but even as it unfolded here, I was fully enchanted. The prose, the plot, the twists, the characters, they were all just hitting perfectly for me.

Good girl Ashlyn follows the rules and obeys her parents in every way, even when it goes against who she is. On a trip to a remote cabin in the woods (spooky film tropes be damned), Ashlyn ends up seeing a rabbit captured by a tree. While saving it, she falls into an old well, waking up in this strange world where the sky is always dusk and full of stranger people. Once she meets a sleeping girl trapped in a tree, she’s thrust into many Wonderland scenarios as she tries to find her way back home.

First things first, there are so many Alice in Wonderland beats here that I won’t dive too deep into but list: a cat with human teeth guiding our heroine through the forest, a character obsessed with time, a mad character, some knights, a giant chess board, a queen in charge. You know the deal, but many of these beats have some unique twists on them so they were enjoyable.

But this retelling wouldn’t be as strong if it weren’t for Ashlyn and the heavy themes involved. Ashlyn is queer, so that goes fully against her parents’ ideals and it’s not until she meets Azalea (sleeping girl in the tree) that she starts to grow into herself, and I just loved this arc for Ashlyn. She also starts to see a world where she can be a person outside of her parents, and, again, just loved this. Azalea is also a compelling character. A quietude about her because she’s been trapped in this other world for so long and Ashlyn helps her realize some things about herself.

Now there is a twist about this version of Wonderland that I won’t go into for spoiler reasons, but I had an inkling this was the case very early on, so I was pleased it was true. I will say I do wish the twist went even further (ie what Azalea did) but I know that could be even darker than the author intended (and more difficult for many reasons).

The Wonderland bits were really enjoyable but I do admit the second half of the story did get a bit rushed after the girls met the Queen. But I did love the reveal that happened here, very interesting take on Wonderland in general.

The prose is beautiful, and I really think that’s what made me so engrossed early on. It’s lyrical in its simplicity. The pace is very steady, minus the tad rushed ending, and there is a lot of action to go with the character growth. I do want to highlight the opening and closing structure, I thought that was very fun and truly fit this story type well.

Overall, Curiouser And… blew me away. I really loved this novella and it hit me in all the right story feels. For portal fantasy or retelling lovers, this novella is definitely for you!

[Bella Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of "Curiouser And…" as part of the Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Competition (SFINCS).
This is the story of Ashlyn Jones, a girl who has always obeyed her parents and never caused trouble. But one afternoon she tries to save a white rabbit trapped and falls… into another world.
We follow Ashlyn’s journey as she seeks to find a way back home and meet many of the characters we are familiar with from “Alice in Wonderland”, but this is not your usual retelling.
This is a journey of self-discovery and redemption. The story builds up slowly, with crucial hints being dropped almost casually and a subtle foreshadowing that perfectly hides the incredible twists and turns of this tale. Each character is well-crafted and carries their own voice from the beginning till the jaw-dropping end. I found myself quickly hooked and could not put it down until it was finished.
Fans of fantasy and fairy tale retellings in particular need to add this book to their library.

[L.M. Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this novella as part of the Secret Scribes judging group for the Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship (SFINCS) - Round 2.

I really enjoyed this novella, as it reignited my fondness for Alice in Wonderland, a story I loved as a child. While my memories of the original are a little hazy, this novella sparked a delightful sense of nostalgia while introducing its own unique twists and turns. Ashlyn’s background—her self-consciousness, lack of control over her choices, and, in many respects, her immaturity, shaped by her overbearing parents—was skillfully portrayed, setting her character up perfectly for the rest of the story. The prose was perfect, fully immersing me in this strange and unsettling version of Wonderland.

[Rebecca Love · Rating 3 out of 5]

“‘I’m saying, it’s a horrible feeling. But you aren’t alone in that feeling—not here in this place, and not back in the world we left. And perhaps that’s part of what makes it so terrible. But is there comfort in that, too? Curious, how those two things can both be true at once.’ And then, of all things, he winked. ‘But maybe, in truth, it isn’t so curious at all.’”

This was a nice story and a cool twist on Alice in Wonderland. The writing was fine with some mistakes so I wasn’t engrossed in the story but it was an enjoyable, quick read.

[E J Doble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for "SFINCS", as part of Team 3: Swordsworn

Concise, well-paced and neatly developed, Maria has crafted a good retelling of the classic Alice in Wonderland tale - and while it did not possess the same 'magic' for me as other retellings I have read, it was still very measured and an enjoyable read throughout.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bittersweet retelling! I enjoyed the ensemble cast of characters, the moody atmosphere, and the slow, sure creeping horror. A great novella to curl up under a blanket with!